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Love this stuff

I DID IT!!!!! YES!!!!!!!!!

Puppies

This is just an attempt to see if I can download a picture to my blog post. Let's hope I get it right.

Getting ready for summer

Well, we are finally doing it. We are going to the pool store and buying a pool. I'm excited about having a place to swim this summer. It is so convenient to have one in your own back yard. I have spent the past few summers at a local pool where all the elderly people are. It was a condo pool I was allowed to join and many of the elderly Suffern residents live there. At least I won't have to worry about how I look in a bathing suit. There won't be any body to impress. Also looking forward to having friends and family over for fun in the sun and grilling on the barbecue.

Reflections about class

At the beginning of the course, I was disappointed that we weren't actually going to meet weekly. I received my Masters Degree from Marygrove College, which is a distance learning program. I was looking forward to coming to class. However, I still enjoyed the class and actually working at my own pace was very convenient.

This class has been an eye opening experience. I didn't know so much was going on with the Internet. I really didn't know just how many people were doing things that I wasn't doing (My Space, You Tube). I also didn't realize how easy it is to connect to other people. Now I know the Internet doesn't have to be a scary place. I was afraid to let my students go on the web. Prior to this course, my belief was that kids were using the Internet for inappropriate things, actually some are. However many good things are also happening. People are communicating and sharing ideas. Much learning takes place, even at sites that I only thought were for playing games.

I will definitely incorporate many of the new literacies I learned about, especially blogging. I would like my class next year to keep a blog. I enjoyed writing and getting feedback from colleagues. I looked forward to reading comments. I believe my students would also enjoy keeping a blog.

Comic Life is also another program I intend to incorporate into my classes next year. I hope my students enjoy creating comic strips. I just have to figure out how to download their photos now. I hope that isn't too hard. Well, if I can figure out accessing my email from a different computer, I guess I can do anything.

Overall, I enjoyed this new "hybrid class." I hope Montclair in conjunction with the East Orange School District offers teachers other opportunities for learning.

Morning Class

So, I'm sitting next to Leslie and she is starting already. I think this is going to be some class. Just joking Leslie. I am visiting an old friend today, Kathleen. We have been friends since high school. I can't wait to see her. I've missed too much time with her and her son. It should be great catching up. I am actually hoping the impending Noreaster is soooo bad, that I have to stay an extra day. Anyway, I am thrilled to have the week off, looking forward to relaxing and finishing up some work for school, Montclair and Marygrove. Can't wait to see Dina's baby, Jenna. She is getting big.

My daughter Melissa is going on a class trip to Washington DC. She is really looking forward to spending time away from home and with her friends. Hopefully she will behave herself and there will not be any nonsense at the hotel.

Ok. Back to class.

Another Bad Day

I don't think I will ever forget today. I had to do one of the hardest things ever, put one of my cats to sleep. Oreo, has been a family pet for over 15 years. She could hardly walk anymore and wasn't able to go to the bathroom. She lost 6 pounds since June, almost half her weight. She was starving to death. The vet said he felt a few masses in her abdomen, probably cancer. It was really hard and I cried a lot. I watched them give her a shot and she slowly stopped breathing. I just feel awful today, feels like I lost a friend. I know it is only an animal and thankfully not a person, but I still feel terrible. I keep picturing her face during those final moments. Very Sad!!!!

FED UP

Where do I begin? I have had it with my students. They are way too playful. I don't even want to think what May and June will be like. I am tire of them not working hard and talking too much.
Also tired of this crazy weather. One minute it is warm, and the next it is cold. I am getting sick and I feel crappy.
I am also tired from the holiday. I had to suddenly cook a Passover Seder for 20 people on Monday night because my aunt was ill. It was nice to see my family, but it is always hard to cook for so many. I guess everything is bothering me because I am due for my monthly friend any minute. Hopefully things will look better and brighter when the week is over. Three day weekends always help.

Research Paper

Well, I started my paper this week. I found a lot of good information on the web. There are many scholarly articles that I must purchase in order to read. I wonder if Montclair has some of these articles, and maybe I have access to them for free? I definitely should look into that. I did find a paper written by our own Dr. Dana Cammack, titled " Toward a Theory of New Literacies Emerging From the Internet and Other Information and Communication Technologies." I was able to download this.

Anyway, I am a bit disappointed about not meeting this week. I always look forward to class. I like listening to everones ideas and having discussions. The lunches with my friends after make it very enjoyable as well. I do hope to utilize my time wisely and work more on my paper and project, but you know something always comes up. I guess time will tell.

Thoughts about You Tube

I am a novice to this site. I spent a little bit on it lately and really don't like it too much. Many random people sharing some crazy videos. I think it could be good to share information, but I found myself watching pointless videos. I wasted a lot of time. I guess having the access to the information makes it a great web site. So many people are able to share their own videos as well as their opinions, once again collaborating. I did notice that people were meeting from You Tube. It's definitely a way of social networking. I guess this would also be considered an affinity space along with My Space. Here people can share many different activities as well as common interests. I need to spend more time on the site.

Hopkin Green Frog

Who is Hopkin Green Frog? It is a stuffed toy frog that an autistic boy lost. He created a flyer and posted it around Seattle looking for his toy. Someone got hold of the flyer and put it on the internet. People were interested in helping to find the frog. Someone even called his house to find out about the entire situation. Sounds crazy to be concerned about a frog. The interesting part for me is thinking about the power behind the Internet. Something can spread at such a rapid rate and get so many people involved. I guess this is a meme at work. Some new concept that spreads like wildfires.

We have the capability to do so many things now and accomplish so much. The internet could be used to do so many good things for the world. I definitely need to be a part of something good. Imagine what we could actually do with this technology?

SNOW DAY

Well, I am praying again for another snow day. They say Suffern could get 8 to 14 inches. I would hate to drive in the snow, so I'm wishing for the day off. This week has been very draining and I could use a break. A nice 3 day weekend is just what I need. The GEPA is over and I am very relieved. I only hope my students pass. If not, I must remember that I did all I could. I planned, taught, and retaught, so they should have remembered something. We will see in June when the results come back.

Reading

Yes, I like to read, when I have time. I don't get enough time to read a lengthy novel, but I do love to read magazines and read the newspaper daily. During the summer, I find time to read 3 or 4 books at the pool and beach. When I do find a book that interests me, I can't put it down. I usually finish a good book, depending on length, in two days. My life is so full, which is a blessing, it is just hard to find free time for leisurely reading.
I allow students in my class to pick any books they like during independent reading. I don't like to assign novels, due to a lack of interest from my students. I often read the books in my classroom library and then share the ones I enjoyed with my students. This tends to motivate them to read.
Technology will definitely have an impact on reading. People no longer need to go to the library for a book. You can read from the web. People are reading more than just printed material (books, newspapers, letters), they are now reading from the computer, telephone,( emails, instant messaging). I think technology can only have a positive impact on reading.

The Matrix

I just finished watching the movie and doing some research on the computer. I didn't realize that there was so many web sites devoted to the movie. I found one website that had a virtual world that you can join and become characters from the movie, reminds me of those students on another website that we read about. The movie was good, better than I expected, but a little scary. To think, our lives could be that way is a bit bazarre for me. It also makes me think by creating the computer, we have created a monster. Could it possibly take over?????

HOT CLASSROOM

So, before vacation the temperature of my classroom was 84 degrees. Personally I think that is too hot. If I were home, I would have turned on the air conditioner. However this is school and of course that is not possible. So open up a window, not possible either since there are no windows in my classroom. Now I return from a lovely week off and my room is 90 degrees. I have taught in the cafeteria too much this school year, and have had it. I think I need to get out of here. I will be completing a request for transfer soon. I do hope until that time comes, the school gets the temperature to a comfortable zone.

Second Pod Cast

I'm a little late listening to the second podcast, but better late than never. I believe teachers can bring WEB 2.0 into their classrooms if the technology is available for all. Having students interact with other people and partake in discussions is great for learning. Since teens are already doing this at home, teachers should incorporate this into their classroom. Technology should not just be used for finding information (like an encyclopedia). It should be used to communicate with other students across the country and world. However, in East Orange, it is almost impossible. English teachers at my school are required to use the whole school reform model, which is scripted. There truly isn't any time to veer off the track, according to our school leaders. I would like to utilize blogging in my class, instead of journals, but I only have 3 working lap tops and 20 students. I would not know how to do it if I was afforded the opportunity. Any ideas?

Hardwood Floors

Well we are having our floors redone. It smells horrible here. They told us with water based polyurethane it wouldn't smell, but I think they lied. Our house is in total chaos. Furniture is everywhere except where it really belongs. My kitchen has become a living room and my son's bedroom is now a dining room. Kids aren't sleeping at home and I slept at my mother's condo last night. Hopefully the smell will go away SOON.

Creating a page on My Space

Well I created something. It doesn't look like much. I found it very difficult to navigate and I was confused. I will have to get some help from my daughter and her friends, they have pages with pictures and music. All I created was a page with my name, it doesn't look good. I'll let you know how it turns out when I get the help I need.

Blogging Surprise

Just finished reading "Teens Content Creation" and found the numbers quite interesting. I never knew just how many teens were doing things on the computer. I figured it was high, just didn't realize how high. This relates to something I experienced last week. I was looking over my blog page and reading through comments that people have made and I came across an unfamiliar name. It turned out to be a thirteen year old girl who read my page and posted a comment. I was surprised that someone that wasn't in the class would read or even come across my page. However, after reading the article, it makes perfect sense. Teen girls are more likely to blog and read other blogs. Typically they are reading blogs written by people they know, but some do read blogs of unknown people. I didn't know that.

Dieting tips

I hope someone can shed some light. I need a new diet plan. I have been very unsuccessful and have gained a lot of weight. I can't afford to join LA weight loss again and am in need of inspiration, motivation. HELP!!!!!

New Literacies

I have to say that after reading the first two chapters, I feel confused. It seems that the name reading has changed to literacy, but not much more. Teachers are still teaching the same way they taught traditional reading programs. I guess we need to change, but I'm not sure as to how.
So, how did all this come about? I think the change started in the 1960's when people were figuring out which nations would become economically advantaged based on the number of literate people in the countries. Countries focused on literacy programs to help them economically. This reminds me of what happens today with the building of jails. If the reading levels of those tested in high schools are at an 8th grade level or lower, more jails are built. That's interesting to think this is how we predict the future. We relate illiteracy to poor social classes.
Now we have new literacies that involve more than just reading and writing. It involves interactions between people and groups of people. These new literacies cross over to other areas as well, such as "critical literacy and technoliteracy," just to name a couple. There are many more which all seem to involve some type of social interaction. Literate has also been known as being competent in a certain area, and through this the word literacy has been wide spread.
This new literacy also involves new technology. This new literacy, known as digital literacy may one day create a serious division within the population. This could disadvantage many people (I think I could be in that group).
To add even more to this, there is a great divide with web1.0 and web 2.0. I don't know where I fit in. I am considered an "immigrant" to all of this, according to John Perry Barlow who said I am a newcomer, being over 35. Maybe I am a small part of each. I do often go on web sites where I find reviews from other people, although I have never contributed to writing a review. Maybe I could do that in my classroom, book reviews on line? Isn't that just like the metaphor used " old wine in a new bottle? " Writing a review on line and not on paper?
I definitely am a part of the mindset that although much has changed technologically, many things have stayed the same. I still teach like I did 17 years ago, with a few exceptions. Now I do incorporate technology into my classroom, but definitely not the way I should. I don't know what to do in order to change my mindset, I need lessons on how to do that.
Finally, we can talk about multitasking, which I have a very difficult time doing. I find I am easily distracted and assume my students would be too. However after reading chapter 2, I see it is possible to do other things and still be a part of something else. Mia was able to pay attention to the poem, teacher and her own blog and not miss anything. When my students are doodling or not giving me eye contact and I ask them something about the lesson, I usually find they weren't paying attention. So as a result I want them focused on me when I teach. I don't know how I can change that mindset. Any ideas?

Not a good week

I guess I am just having a bad week. Monday, I gave the Cycle II test and I actually watched students give up before they even tried. The text they had to read was longer than usual and two of my students did not read anything and just filled in the blanks. Imagine if there was merit pay in East Orange, I would be broke.
I also got my monthly friend Monday night. I am just exhausted and feel like crap! I spent the whole day Tuesday in bed. So now I am back at work. So far this morning I have spoken to two parents and heard many complaints from the substitute about my class.
Finally, to keep the week in a downward spiral, I just found out a former coworker, who just retired last year, died yesterday. He was one of the first people I spoke to in East Orange. We worked together when I started 17 years ago. I am really saddened by this news. Can anything elso go wrong? I hope not!!!!!

Media -Zero to Six

Well, after reading the article, I think my kids are watching too much television. I feel like I have done them an injustice. Now, how do I tell my eight year old that she can only watch 1 hour of television? She will probably have a fit. She definitley should be reading more. My oler two children did not watch as much television as she did and they do pick up books more often. I guess the findings are right on target. The more electronic media in your life, the less you do for yourself (read a book, go outside and play, etc...).

nervous about plagiarizing

I didn't realize that all you need to copy is three words. I have probably done that many times. This is difficult because at some point in time we can have similar ideas to put onto paper. Sounds tough!

STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

So, who else is worried? I am very nervous about the state coming into my room Monday. I am mostly concerned about the class behaving while they are there. I hope all goes well. I don't want to be personally cited for anything. Am I the only other person concerned? Or is everyone feeling the same way as me?

hopes and concerns

Hopes for the classes I teach- I have many hopes and concerns for my classes. I hope that all of my eighth graders pass the GEPA. I also hope that my sixth graders do well on the New Jersey ASK. I would love for my students to want to learn. Am I asking too much? I am concerned about the use of technology in my room. When I do allow students to use computers, someone always ventures off to the wrong website, usually one that is inappropriate. I want my students to become computer savvy and be prepared for the future.

Hopes for this class- I hope I can keep up with all of the technology. I also hope I feel comfortable incorporating this technology into my classroom. I only have 5 lap tops in my classroom and sometimes classroom management becomes an issue when my students use the computers. Many of the websites my students go on, speak to them and without headphones it disrupts my class.

I have never enjoyed reading the comics, so I hope to find this useful and stimulating for both me and my students.
I signed up for this class for a salary increase, working on my masters plus 32. I hope to learn many new things that I can incorporate into my class next year.